The chief executive of aid agency GOAL, Siobhan Walsh, has thanked the thousands of people from all across Dublin who took time out to take part in a GOAL Mile over Christmas.
Hundreds turned out to walk, run or jog a mile this year in an effort to raise funds for GOAL.
Amongst well-known Dubliners who did a mile for GOAL were the famous footballing brothers Alan and Bernard Brogan; Minister for Sport Shane Ross; singer Danny O’Reilly, of the Coronas, and his mother, Mary Black; and long distance runner Maria McCambridge and her husband, runner Gary Crossan.
Now in its 38th year, the GOAL Mile is one of Ireland’s largest and longest-running annual fundraising events.
Last year, GOAL reached more than 5.5 million people in need around the world.
Siobhan Walsh said: “A huge thanks to GOAL Mile organisers all over Dublin for their huge support this year.
“The indications are that we had record numbers in the city and country running, walking or jogging a mile for GOAL.
“Millions of euro have been raised to support GOAL’s work in the developing world since the first GOAL Mile was staged in 1982.
“The widespread support of the people of Dublin, and Ireland, for the GOAL Mile embodies the true spirit of Christmas.
“I would like to thank the thousands of people who started their Christmas day taking action to support others.”
She added: “The theme of our Christmas campaign was ‘Far From Home’, and I am grateful to all of the dedicated GOAL workers who themselves were far from home this Christmas caring for the families who are displaced from their homes through war, conflict, drought and extreme poverty.
“The Christmas GOAL mile is much more than an event. It is a very powerful reminder that the people of Ireland will always go the extra mile and in doing so, help create a better world.”
